Who's Ready for Gardening Season?

ME!  I am ready to play in the dirt!

 

When a lovely sponsored post opportunity arrived in my email from Mary's Heirloom Seeds I just about jumped through the computer screen shouting, "Yes!  Pick me!"  Their website, http://marysheirloomseeds.com/index.html and Facebook Page  are both packed with lots of planting tips and growing advice.  I hope you'll stop by and tell Mary that Marci said, "Hi!"  ;-)

 

Full disclosure.  I received packets of seeds in exchange for this post.  All opinions are mine.

 

Here are the seeds I received:

 

I am the most excited about Asclepias Incarnata -
   

 

A common name for the Asclepias family is Milkweed, host plant for Monarch Butterflies.  Incarnata is a lovely variety that is upright and tall with white blooms.  I've grown it before, but one year it all died at the same time.  The weather is probably to blame.  In my 20 Wishes for 2015 , wish #11 is to increase my asclepias collection.  I am THRILLED to find a source for these seeds.  Mary's Heirloom Seeds also carries the orange Tuberosa as well as the red Tropical varieties of Asclepias.  She also offers multiple wildflowers and wildflower mixes that would make lovely nectar gardens for butterflies.  Remember...  Host plants AND nectar sources are necessary for effective butterfly gardens. 

 

I like that each seed packet has instructions on the back.

 

 

Scarlet Nantes Carrot

 

Instructions:

 

I am completely out of carrot seeds and am excited to give this variety a try!  I tend to have better luck planting carrots in the greenhouse, so that's my plan for this packet.  'Can't wait to give you updates!

 

Double Yield Cucumber

 

Instructions

 

Is there anything tastier than a cucumber fresh from the garden still warm from the sun?  Mmmm...  What a treat!  I have not tried this variety before, so we will see how it likes the soil in Northwest Arkansas!  It's still a little early to plant cucumbers here.  These will be started in the greenhouse while we wait for warmer night temps to arrive!

 

Desiree Dwarf Blauwschokkers

 

Planting Instructions

 

Here's the description from Mary's Heirloom Seeds :  Stunning violet-blue pods are produced on lovely little bush plants that do not require staking. The delicious peas are perfect for soups and stews, or pick small and these can be used as a snow pea. 

 

Purple peas?!  How pretty!  I also like the idea of them being a bush variety, not needing stakes for vining.  I bet they would perform well in containers and plan to have a row in the garden, but save some seeds for the green house this winter.  Hopefully, I can get some lovely photos and share their color with you.

 

A little more info about Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  

 

All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid, non-patented, untreated, heirloom garden seeds.  Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours, (except for holidays)

 

Are you ready for the gardening season?  ;-)  What are you planting this year?

 

;-)  -Marci

March Harvest and a Greenhouse Update

For my Twenty Wishes 2015 , Number 15 is

 

Harvest something edible from either the green house or garden 10 months of the year

 

The winter months are, of course, the trickiest ones!  I wrote the goal to challenge myself to use the greenhouse for more than just winter storage.

 

Harvesting something from a seed that I planted is so very gratifying, especially in mid-March!  Check out this lettuce!  Isn't it pretty?!  It's tasty, too!

 

 

How do I grow it?  Well, Handsome Husband cut a 55 gallon barrel in half and filled it with soil.

 

  

There is lettuce and spinach planted toward the front

 

 

 

with snow peas toward the back.  For climbing we have bamboo stakes and some cattle panel.  The peas are currently about two feet tall.



My fancy gardening utensil for transplanting small sprouts.  ;-)

 

What do you plan to grow this year?

 

;-)  -Marci



Princess Seams - Yikes!

You might remember my post Ooh La La... Learning French Seams where a lovely soul, Linda, asked if I were interested in sewing classes.  (To read my entire geeky response, just click HERE.  I am such a goober.)  So far, she has not issued a restraining order against me!  ;-)  This post is about my second class with her.

 

So, THIS BOOK is part of my Twenty Wishes for 2015, but I don't exactly know what I am doing.  LOL!  I specifically asked Linda for a class on how to fit a bodice.  Choosing the Audrey dress from Famous Frocks, we worked for three hours, with Linda teaching me how to measure my torso about a million different ways and then writing all over the paper pattern pieces.  Oooh!  Say that three times fast.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Whew!  I had never sewn princess seams before and was pretty intimidated.  If they don't fit perfectly, they just look awful.  YIKES!  I am so very grateful to Linda for scheduling this class just for me.  Interestingly, two other gals signed up and we all had a great time!

 

Most of the class was spent measuring and writing.  Once the muslin was cut and sewn (get this, I couldn't believe it)) the bodice fit perfectly on the first try!  THE FIRST TRY!  Thank you, Linda!

 

 

It may not look like much, but seeing the fit made me feel like I had climbed Mount Everest!  What a victory!  It fit on The First Try!

 

The actual dress is coming along nicely!  I can't wait for you to see it!

 

What have been learning and/or teaching?

 

;-)  -Marci

Twenty Wishes for 2015

Based on the book Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber, each year I make a list of 20 things I want to do.  This is not stuff I have to do, like go to work and pay bills, but fun things or maybe something I am curious about or for no particular reason why, just want to!  ;-) 

If you are curious about my other lists of Twenty Wishes, click on each link below!

2014 - One Year, Twenty Wishes 

2013 - One Year, Twenty Wishes

2015?  Here they are: 


1.  Memorize Psalm 91


2.  Memorize two poems


3.  Read 26 books and post reviews


4.  Using my book, The Little Black Dress, sew at least one version of all 10 patterns


5.  Conquer Rope Climbs


6.  String together 5 strict pull ups


7.  Consistently string together 10 wall balls that could pass muster in competition


8.  Splits - All 3 ways


9.  String together 10 double unders


10.  Increase my herb collection


11.  Increase my asclepias collection


12.  Create 3 new butterfly puddles


13.  Attend 6 Herb Society and / or Garden Club Meetings


14.  Tour 3 public gardens


15.  Harvest something edible from either the green house or garden 10 months of the year


16.  Attend concerts


17.  Celebrate 29 years of marriage


18.  Sew a quilt for each of the Grand Ones.


19.  Pay It Forward somehow quarterly - at least 4 times this year.


20.  Begin a REAL Savings Plan





Have you set any goals for the year?   What do you want to do?


;-)  -Marci

Book Review: Twenty Wishes

by Debbie Macomber

Source

A partial synopsis from Good Reads:  Anne Marie Roche wants to find happiness again. At 38 her life s not what she d expected--she s childless, a recent widow, alone. She owns a successful bookstore on Seattle s Blossom Street, but despite her accomplishments, there s a feeling of emptiness.  On Valentine s Day, Anne Marie and several other widows get together to celebrate...what? Hope, possibility, the future. They each begin a list of twenty wishes, things they always wanted to do but never did.

My thoughts:  If you've been following my humble little blog for long, you might remember I've created a list of Twenty Wishes, not once, but twice!  It's not about what you SHOULD do or HAVE to do, it's a list of things you WANT to do.  So, yeah!  After doing all that with monthly updates and such, I figured I should read the book!  ;-)

The story begins with a group of friends who are somewhat sad.   Each woman is feeling alone and a bit lost.  They decide to celebrate Valentine's Day together with champagne, chocolate and bubble wrap.  Never underestimate the power of a group of girlfriends with a sense of humor!  ;-)  The lists of Twenty Wishes begin, some more quickly than others.  As the ladies focus on their newfound goals and supporting each other, serendipitous events start to occur.  There were moments this book made me laugh.  In one chapter, I used about seven tissues as I cried along with Anne Marie and Melissa.  What an inspiring story about moving forward to the next chapter of our lives!

If you are curious about my lists of Twenty Wishes, click on either link below!

2014 - One Year, Twenty Wishes 

2013 - One Year, Twenty Wishes

I've already begun my list for 2015!  Are there any books that have changed your approach to life?

;-)  -Marci


20 Wishes {November Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

Another year is flying past me!  ;-)  'Not a lot of updates this month, but GEE, I better get busy if the last few are going to be accomplished!  December Updates are in RED.

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.


3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!  For some reason, I forget to post about local bands.  We recently saw Jed Clampit.  He is still wonderful!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!

So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!  'Still loving my new gym.  I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!  I've been goofing around with walking on my hands.  'Kinda fun!  Done, October 21!!  Now, that's what I'm talking about!  (Big Cheesy Grin)  Done!  Again!  November 17!  Yay, me!

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!  Guess who can do a pull up without a band now!  I am so excited!  So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began!  Done!  Just yesterday, October 28!!  S W E E T ! !

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.  A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength.  I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies.  We had Toes to Bar in our workout yesterday,  I couldn't quite get all of them done.  On some of my reps, my toes were just a couple inches from the bar, but I didn't have the strength to close that last little gap.  'So close though.  I still have a month to get this one!  ;-)   

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!  August was a little Lacy Number!  'Didn't get anything posted for September.  Bummer!  I have really fizzled on this goal.  'Just haven't felt like sewing clothing for myself.  Hmm... 

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.  So, I made some, but really didn't like it.  If at first you don't succeed... 

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?  I am working on adding a new page to the blog!

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!  Jan Karon is currently my favorite author.  I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all.  Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago.  Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball.  I {heart} books!  The card I use most in my wallet is my Library Card!  ;-)  This goal has easily been reached.

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {October Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

October updates are in this cool purplish-blue color!  ;-)
 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.


3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!



So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!  'Still loving my new gym.  I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!  I've been goofing around with walking on my hands.  'Kinda fun!  Done, October 21!!  Now, that's what I'm talking about!  (Big Cheesy Grin)

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!  Guess who can do a pull up without a band now!  I am so excited!  So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began!  Done!  Just yesterday, October 28!!  S W E E T ! !

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.  A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength.  I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies. 

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!  August was a little Lacy Number!  'Didn't get anything posted for September.  Bummer!

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.  So, I made some, but really didn't like it.  If at first you don't succeed... 

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?  I am working on adding a new page to the blog!

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!  Jan Karon is currently my favorite author.  I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all.  Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago.  Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball.  I {heart} books!

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {September Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

September Updates are in GREEN!
 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  We had a great time and I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.


3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!



So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!  'Still loving my new gym.  I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!  I've been goofing around with walking on my hands.  'Kinda fun! 

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!  Guess who can do a pull up without a band now!  I am so excited!  So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began!

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.  A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength.  I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies. 

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!  August was a little Lacy Number!

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.  So, I made some, but really didn't like it.  If at first you don't succeed... 

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!  Jan Karon is currently my favorite author.  I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all.  Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago.  Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball. 

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! 20 Wishes August Update or Start NOW!

It's FINALLY here! Time to link up your August update or get started and share your Twenty Wishes for 2014!  (Here's my original list of  Twenty Wishes 2014 and Twenty Wishes 2013!)

You can read more on why we started this project back in 2013 here, but the gist is that life is too short. Too short to not really strive for those things you really wish to do or wish would happen. SO this year we're all going to make a real effort to mark those wishes off our lists! First you'll write and then link up your list of Twenty Wishes here. In doing so you're entered in this month's giveaway! (There will be a new one each month.) Then you'll work on those wishes throughout this year coming back here the last Wednesday of every month to link up and share your progress. Here's a button to add to your side bar to remind you to come back and link monthly, and to serve as a little encouragement to work on marking off your wishes!!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/category/twenty-wishes/" title="Truly Lovely"><img src="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/TwentyWishesButton.jpg" alt="Truly Lovely" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

This year we are doing things a little differently. Mostly in an effort to be more organized than last year... But again, the link up will be the last Wednesday of every month. Each month one or two of our ten hostesses will offer a little something as a giveaway for those that link with us. So, allow me to introduce your hostesses for the 2014 Twenty Wishes project...

Kassi & Kayli @ Truly Lovely

Nay @ Coffee-N-Ink

Kate @ Life as I Know It

Sarah @ SaturDIY

Chrissy @ The Brave Wanderer

Katie @ Hacked by Kate

Bethani @ The Texan Pantry

Kristine @ The Foley Fam

Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

We aren't requiring you to follow anyone, the only mandatory entry is linking up to this party with your list of 20 wishes. BUT the more you do the more entries you'll receive and I can personally promise you if you do follow, like, etc andyof these awesome ladies you WILL NOT be disappointed!

This month Kate is giving away an adorable baby headband!  How cute!!


 

So, link your wishes and enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

20 Wishes {August Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

'Not many updates for August, but they are in ORANGE!
 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  We had a great time and I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.



3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6, almost to my goal size!!  For the most part, I've worked with two trainers, Chip and Gil.  They deserve a HUGE amount of credit, teaching me the movements as well as motivating me daily and encouraging me to stick with it.  There had to have been some days where they beat their heads against a wall after I left!  ;-)  Thanks, guys!  I couldn't have come this far without you!



So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!



4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!








12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {July Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  We had a great time and I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.



3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6, almost to my goal size!!  For the most part, I've worked with two trainers, Chip and Gil.  They deserve a HUGE amount of credit, teaching me the movements as well as motivating me daily and encouraging me to stick with it.  There had to have been some days where they beat their heads against a wall after I left!  ;-)  Thanks, guys!  I couldn't have come this far without you!

This quote sums up my feelings for workouts.  Tenacity is the most valuable tool I bring to the gym.



4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  I love it!








12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci